To buy or not to buy a used cartridge?


As a general recommendation, is it risky buying used cartridges? What is your experience from those who have bought cartridges used? Is it best just to bite the bullet and buy new? You can get much more cartridge for your money buying used.

Similar to tubes, it seems dicey to think that the estimates that people give of hours they have put on a cartridge are very accurate.
mekong56
Based on my own experience I don't think there's any more risk buying a used cartridge than with any other type of equipment here on the Gon. I've bought stuff over the years that was often misrepresented as to condition, suffered because it was packed poorly, or damaged by the carrier. It's not unusual to have to resell a $3000 component for $500 less than the price paid because it was scratched and somewhat beat up and the box looked like hell. The risks are not greater, probably less, when buying a used cart from a trusted member. If you trust the seller, and he tells you the cart is fine, and knows approximately the hours on it (there's a lot of latitude here anyway since it takes years of normal usage to put on 1000 hours) then why not save hundreds, or even thousands? Cart shipping is safe and easy--no risk there compared to speakers or amps or fragile digital players. Over the years I've bought used carts on the Gon many times: a VDH Grasshopper 3, VDH Frog, Allaerts Mc1b, Benz Ruby2, Koetsu Rosewood Sig, Grado Reference and a few less-significant others. Every one has performed up to expectations (other than the Koetsu which had been VDH retipped--but the seller disclosed this) and I still use them all today.

Sorry for taking so long to state the obvious. But I believe it comes down to trusting the seller, just like with all other types of gear.

BTW, I plan to sell some of the above-named carts over the next few months. I mention this now because I don't want to appear disengenuous later. Everything I said is true irregardless.
I think buying used cartridges is the riskiest venture in the audio hobby. It's not just the relying on an accurate hour used count, but age also takes it's toll on a cartridge. A suspension can wear out just sitting on a shelf. One also never knows if the previous user knows how to properly set up and care for a cartridge.

I'm not saying that I would never buy a used cartridge, but IMHO the price needs to be a LOT more attractive than the standard 50% off list price for used gear for me to consider it.

Cheers,
John
If you buy a new cart from the dealer you don't know if it was really a demo unit (the last 'new' one I received came with mounting screws missing from the box). My experience buying and selling used carts has been 100% positive to date. As a general rule, analog types seem to be persnickety about taking care of things.
No big problem. Most owners from expensive cartridges are very careful and you can ask for pics. when the cantilever is straight and the suspension not down, then it is fine. Never had a problem. Probably I had luck and met always the nice guys...
I've bought 4 used cartridges here on Audiogon over the last few years. All have been as advertised or better than expected. I always TALK to the seller. I find out about their equipment, LP cleaning, listening habits,etc. Then get a feel for their honesty/openness.
I believe anything you buy used has some sort of risk. Just need to feel comfortable about item and seller before you lay out the cash.